Secret Gems with Outdoor Dining in Zug

Now that it’s prime summertime, we’re craving quality al fresco dining more than ever. From nestled-in gardens to waterfront terraces, also canton Zug boasts its fair share of must-try locations. We spill the beans, revealing our insider tips - some of them neighbourhood favourites, others newcomers, but all with one thing in common - great food and drinks that will keep you coming back for more. 
 

Gasthaus Engel, Walchwil

It may not appear so from the outside, but East meets West at Gasthaus Engel where we recently enjoyed the best Asian cuisine we’ve had in the area by far. Aside from the excellent food, its lakeside location in Walchwil and stylish lounge LE QUAI 1669 with a boat dock and live music make this gem our favourite re-discovery since it’s undergone a change in leadership in late 2020. 


 

Restaurant zur Taube, Zug

Led by successful restaurateur and chef Giovanni Melis and his partner Aline Sigrist, who has a background in luxury hotels, Restaurant zur Taube located in the heart of the Old Town serves a fine dining menu that features all our favourite classics with a modern twist and makes Slow Food shine. In summer, the tasteful interior is enhanced by a magnificent terrace right by the water that has us exclaiming “la bella vita!”


 

Rössli Hünenberg, Hünenberg

Surrounded by green and perched on a hilltop, Rössli Hünenberg gives us all the picturesque village vibes. Serving regional cuisine, the restaurant places great emphasis on sourcing local produce, which we love. While the building is steeped in tradition with a history spanning more than 250 years, it in no way feels dated. The property has a garden and terrace, both perfectly charming and with far-reaching views. 


 

Secret Garden, Zug

Well known among locals but perhaps lesser likely to be stumbled upon by newcomers to Zug is Secret Garden, the garden hideaway in the city centre. The menu offers a good variety of flexitarian or casual vegetarian dishes and is also vegan-friendly. The perfect all-rounder for drinks, tapas or a meal, we can’t wait to try their weekend summer barbecue next.


 

Zum Kaiser Franz, Zug

Alright, so maybe this one is a not-so-secret location but we just felt it had to make the list. Nothing beats a perfectly cooked Wienerschnitzel and great drop of wine on a warm summer night outside Zum Kaiser Franz as the sunset bathes the lakeside promenade in fiery hues. You get our gist…


 

Barakka, Zug

Hidden in the Herti quarter, Barakka offers fresh Mediterranean cuisine in a laid back and family-friendly atmosphere. The recently renovated premises offers a varied menu with good value for money and a spacious outdoor seating area. For bigger groups, paella is available by pre-order. 


 

Gasthaus Hinterburgmühle, Neuheim

Perhaps a little off the beaten track but oh so worth the drive to Neuheim is the family-run Gasthaus Hinterburgmühle. The restaurant’s 14 Gault Millau points are reflected in the immaculate plating of dishes that include trout from an on-site aquaculture, which is as farm-to-table as it gets. That the host is also a knowledgeable sommelier is just a further plus.